Abstract: ABSTRACT DEVICE FOR LIFTING, STABILIZING, AND TRANSPORTING ITSELF AND SUBMERGED OBJECTS ATTACHED TO IT An Subject Device 100 includes a perforated hollow exoskeleton 102, configured in at least one of a spherical, teardrop, cylindrical, pillow, rectangular, or polygonal shape, made of a plastic, metallic or alloy-based material defining an enclosed inner space. At least one inflatable Airsac 104 is positioned within the exoskeleton 102, attached to its inner surface or suspended freely, and configured to be inflated with gas or air. A gas supply mechanism 106, would comprise of an inflation valve port fitted on the Airsac 104 regulating the air/gas inflow and would use least one of the compressor systems, compressed air cylinder, onboard gas reservoir, or remotely controlled gas system, inflates the Airsac 104. At least one pressure relief valve 108 prevents over-inflation. Perforations 110 in the exoskeleton 102 allow water ingress and egress, reducing resistance while protecting the Airsac 104. The exoskeleton 102 reinforces the Airsac 104, preventing deformation and ensuring controlled buoyancy to lift submerged objects to the water’s surface.
FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2083
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10; rule 13)
1. TITLE: DEVICE FOR LIFTING, STABILIZING, AND TRANSPORTING ITSELF AND SUBMERGED OBJECTS ATTACHED TO IT
2. APPLICANT (S)
NAME : RAJESH GUPTA
NATIONALITY : INDIAN
ADDRESS : B2005, GIRIJA BUILDING, NEELKANTH HEIGHTS, POKHRAN ROAD NO.2, NEAR UPVAN LAKE, THANE – WEST 400610
3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following complete specification particularly describes the disclosure and the manner in which it is to be performed.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of underwater lifting and buoyancy-based transport devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device for lifting, stabilizing, and transporting itself underwater and submerged objects attached to it using a structurally reinforced buoyancy mechanism.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Underwater lifting and buoyancy-based transport play a critical role in marine salvage, offshore construction, industrial equipment movement, and underwater infrastructure maintenance. Traditional methods for lifting submerged objects rely on cranes, winches, and inflatable lift bags, each of which presents operational challenges. Cranes and winches require extensive setup, are limited by their reach and lifting capacity, and are often impractical in deep-sea or turbulent environments. Inflatable lift bags, while offering flexibility, suffer from structural vulnerabilities, limited depth capacity, and instability, making them unreliable for precise or heavy-duty lifting operations.
[0003] Conventional inflatable lift bags are prone to punctures and abrasions due to contact with sharp objects, debris, or rough underwater surfaces. This compromises their reliability and increases the risk of failure, particularly in salvage operations involving shipwrecks, submerged pipelines, or offshore structures. Moreover, traditional Airbags lack structural reinforcement and are susceptible to deformation under high-pressure conditions or when lifting heavy loads, leading to instability and inefficiency. The absence of a rigid support structure also results in inconsistent buoyancy control, causing unpredictable movement, tilting, or unbalanced lifting. These issues are further exacerbated in deep-sea environments, where pressure variations and environmental factors impact the performance and durability of conventional solutions.
[0004] In addition to structural weaknesses, existing underwater lifting systems face operational challenges related to deployment and control. Inflatable lift bags require precise inflation and monitoring to prevent over-expansion or uncontrolled ascents, often necessitating diver intervention, which increases operational
complexity and safety risks. Many available solutions also have limited adaptability, making it difficult to handle irregularly shaped objects or to maintain stable lifting in turbulent waters. Furthermore, offshore floating platforms that rely on large watertight cylinders for buoyancy face significant weight distribution challenges, making their manufacturing, transport, and installation cumbersome. [0005] To address these limitations, the present invention integrates a perforated hollow exoskeleton with an inflatable Airsac, offering a structurally reinforced and highly adaptable device for lifting, stabilizing, and transporting itself above water by this creating potential energy and lifting submerged objects attached to it.
Summary of the invention:
[0006] The present invention relates to an device for lifting, stabilizing, and transporting itself and submerged objects attached to it. The Subject Device comprises of four essential interrelated components: (1) a perforated hollow exoskeleton that forms the primary structure, (2) an enclosed inner space within this exoskeleton, (3) an arrangement of cylinder/tubes/gasbag/inflatable bag/bladder/balloon, any other structure capable of housing air/gas or mixture thereof, either solitarily or in combination thereof, either conjointly or separately, (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Airsac”) positioned within this inner space, and (4) a controlled water interaction system facilitated by the exoskeleton's perforations. This integrated system is specifically configured to provide controlled buoyancy-based lifting, stabilization, and transporting itself, when submerged, as well as any submerged objects attached to it. The exoskeleton may be configured in at least one of a spherical, teardrop, cylindrical, pillow, rectangular, or polygonal shape and is composed of a metallic or alloy-based material, thereby providing structural reinforcement and ensuring durability in underwater environments. The strategic perforations throughout the exoskeleton serve a dual purpose: they allow regulated water ingress and egress, thereby reducing hydrodynamic resistance while simultaneously protecting the inflatable Airsac from punctures, abrasions, and mechanical impact through the maintained rigid structure.
[0007] The inflatable Airsac is positioned within the hollow inner space of the exoskeleton, either securely attached to the inner surface area or freely suspended
therein, creating a direct interaction interface with water that enters through the exoskeleton perforations. This water-Airsac contact relationship is fundamental to the device's operation. The Airsac is composed of a durable, puncture-resistant material selected from at least one of Polyurethane, Polyethylene, reinforced rubber, polyvinyl chloride coated fabric, polymer-coated fabric, or synthetic elastomer. The controlled water interaction occurs when the Airsac is selectively inflated by means of a gas supply mechanism that comprises of an inflation valve port fitted on the Airsac regulating the air/gas inflow using least one of the compressor systems, compressed air cylinder, an onboard gas reservoir, or a remotely operated gas delivery system. This mechanism regulates the inflation level to achieve precise buoyant force in response to the surrounding water pressure and operational requirements. At least one pressure relief valve is associated with the inflatable Airsac to regulate internal pressure and prevent over-inflation during operation, ensuring the integrity of the water-Airsac interaction system. [0008] The weight of the exoskeleton enables controlled submersion prior to inflating the Airsac, thereby ensuring stability and facilitating proper positioning of the Subject Device in underwater environments. When submerged, water freely enters through the perforations and fills the hollow space, coming into direct contact with the deflated Airsac. This initial water-filled state is essential for proper positioning. The exoskeleton features attachment points specifically configured to secure the Subject Device to a submerged object prior to Airsac inflation, thereby ensuring stable engagement and controlled lifting when buoyancy is activated. For enhanced operational control, the inflatable Airsac may be configured in multiple independent compartments, wherein each compartment is individually inflatable, thereby allowing precise buoyancy adjustments and enhanced stability during lifting operations. The exoskeleton incorporates hydrodynamic features, including streamlined contours and flow-directing surfaces, which work in concert with the perforation pattern to minimize drag and facilitate efficient deployment, ascent, and movement within the water body.
[0009] The Subject Device employs a modular design approach, thereby allowing multiple units to be combined to achieve an increased buoyancy capacity as required for a particular lifting operation. The hollow, perforated nature of each module maintains consistent functional relationships between the exoskeleton, inner space, Airsac, and water interaction regardless of how many units are deployed together. The exoskeleton is composed of corrosion-resistant material, which may include Polyurethane, Polyethylene, stainless steels, titanium alloys, aluminium alloys, Magnesium alloys, Nickel-based alloys, Copper-based alloys, Cobalt-based alloys or reinforced composite materials, thereby ensuring durability in prolonged underwater applications where continuous water flow through perforations could otherwise accelerate material degradation. The device's core water-interaction principle makes it particularly suitable for lifting itself and various submerged objects attached to it, including but not limited to sunken ship components, underwater pipelines, heavy machinery, offshore wind turbine components, and bridge support structures, and is further applicable in marine salvage, underwater construction, and offshore installations. The inherent ability of the exoskeleton to ensure precise inflation and prevent over-expansion by limiting the space for the Airsac to inflate within the exoskeleton reduces the degree of direct human intervention in hazardous underwater environments.
[00010] By integrating the four essential components—perforated exoskeleton, hollow interior space, inflatable Airsac, and controlled water interaction system— the underwater lifting device provides superior lifting and stabilization capabilities compared to conventional solutions, including traditional inflatable lift bags and crane-based lifting methods. The perforated exoskeleton allows water to freely enter the hollow interior and interact with the Airsac, creating a dynamic pressure system that responds
[00011]
[00012] to both external water conditions and internal inflation levels. This fundamental relationship between components ensures increased reliability, improved load distribution, and controlled movement in challenging underwater
environments. The perforation pattern can be optimized for specific applications, balancing water flow, structural integrity, and hydrodynamic performance. The direct contact between inflowing water and the Airsac surface enables more responsive pressure equalization than closed systems, while the rigid exoskeleton prevents uncontrolled expansion or movement. This integrated design makes the Subject Device highly suitable for a wide range of industrial and marine applications where controlled buoyancy adjustment in underwater environments is required.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations. In the drawing,
[00014] Figure 1A and Figure 1B illustrates a device for lifting, stabilizing, and transporting itself, when displaced in water, by this creating potential energy as well as lifting submerged objects attached to it, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[00015] Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, known details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. [00016] References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be references to the same embodiment or any embodiment; and such references mean at least one of the embodiments.
[00017] Reference to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", “one aspect”, “some aspects”, “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.
[00018] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, and no special significance should be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. In some cases, synonyms for certain terms are provided.
[00019] A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any example term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification. Without intent to limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods, and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control.
[00020] Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the herein disclosed principles. The features and
advantages of the disclosure can be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or can be learned by the practice of the principles set forth herein.
[00021] The term “apparatus” and “device” are interchangeably used across the context.
[00022] As mentioned above, there is a need to overcome the limitations and inaccuracies associated with lifting submerged objects. The present disclosure, therefore: provides a device for lifting, stabilizing, and transporting submerged objects.
[00023] Figure 1A and Figure 1B illustrates a device for lifting, stabilizing, and transporting itself, when displaced in water, as well as any submerged objects attached to it , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
[00024] The Subject Device 100 is configured to facilitate lifting, stabilizing, and transporting submerged objects by means of a structurally reinforced buoyancy system. The Subject Device 100 comprises a perforated hollow exoskeleton 102, at least one inflatable Airsac 104, a gas supply mechanism 106, at least one pressure relief valve 108, at least one attachment point 114, an optional provision to place ballast weights 112, and hydrodynamic features 116. The Subject Device 100 is deployed in marine salvage, underwater construction, offshore energy installations, submerged object retrieval operations, weight-propelled rotational and lifting mechanism which can be used to autonomously generate rotational motion and harness lifting capabilities.
[00025] For instance, in marine salvage operations, a sunken shipwreck component such as a dislodged steel hull section located at a depth of 100 meters requires retrieval to the surface. The Subject Device 100 is deployed with its Airsac in a deflated state to the salvage site, where it is secured to the hull section using the attachment points 114. Once attached, the gas supply mechanism 106 inflates the inflatable Airsac 104, generating buoyant force to lift the hull section. The water contact enables dynamic pressure equalization - as buoyancy increases, water
exits through the perforations in a controlled manner regulated by and the exoskeleton's hole pattern. The pressure relief valve 108 ensures that the air pressure remains regulated, preventing any sudden ascent that may damage the object. As the shipwreck component ascends, the hydrodynamic features 116 ensure controlled movement, minimizing drag and preventing lateral displacement caused by underwater currents.
[00026] The exoskeleton 102 is a hollow, rigid structure configured to provide mechanical support and protection to the inflatable Airsac 104 positioned within its inner space. The exoskeleton 102 is composed of a metallic or alloy-based material, which may include Polyurethane, Polyethylene, stainless steels, titanium alloys, aluminium alloys, Magnesium alloys, Nickel-based alloys, Copper-based alloys, Cobalt-based alloys or reinforced composite materials, thereby ensuring corrosion resistance, structural integrity, and long-term durability in submerged environments. The exoskeleton 102 is configured in at least one of a spherical, teardrop, cylindrical, pillow, rectangular, or polygonal shape, wherein the selection of shape is based on buoyancy distribution requirements, hydrodynamic performance, and adaptability for specific underwater applications. The spherical or teardrop configurations provide even buoyancy distribution for general lifting applications, while cylindrical or rectangular configurations are suited for lifting elongated or irregularly shaped submerged objects.
[00027] For example, in offshore wind turbine installations, the lower-end tip of the heavy turbine components must be submerged to a predetermined depth for proper alignment and anchoring. The Subject Device 100 is configured with a rectangular or cylindrical exoskeleton 102, allowing precise positioning of the turbine base. The perforation pattern reduces hydrodynamic resistance, thereby providing added stability. The provision of integrating ballast weight of the exoskeleton 112 with the controlled Airsac ensures that the device remains stable before inflation. By inflating the inflatable Airsac 104 in a controlled manner, the turbine component is gradually positioned at the required depth. The gas supply mechanism 106 can be remotely controlled, allowing fine adjustments to buoyancy, ensuring exact placement of the turbine structure.
[00028] The perforations 110 in the exoskeleton 102 allow water ingress and egress, thereby and ensuring stable submersion before inflation of the inflatable Airsac 104. The perforations 110 further serve to reduce hydrodynamic resistance, thereby enabling efficient movement of the Subject Device 100 during ascent, descent and stabilisation operations. The size, distribution, and density of the perforations 110 are selected based on environmental conditions, expected lifting loads, and structural reinforcement requirements. The perforations 110 also provide an added advantage of minimizing resistance in turbulent water environments, thereby preventing unexpected lateral displacement of the Subject Device 100.
[00029] For instance, in underwater pipeline maintenance, a damaged pipeline segment must be raised to the surface for repair and replacement. The Subject Device 100 is deployed and secured to the pipeline using attachment points 114. The inflatable Airsac 104 is gradually inflated while the perforations 110 allow water to exit the exoskeleton 102, ensuring that the device remains stable. The hydrodynamic features 116 prevent unnecessary lateral movement, ensuring that the pipeline section is lifted vertically without deviation. Once the pipeline reaches the surface, it can be safely detached and replaced.
[00030] The inflatable Airsac 104 is positioned within the inner space of the exoskeleton 102 and may be attached to an inner surface of the exoskeleton 102 or suspended freely within the inner space. The inflatable Airsac 104 is composed of a high-durability material, which may include Polyurethane, Polyethylene, reinforced rubber, polymer-coated fabric, or synthetic elastomer, thereby ensuring puncture resistance, flexibility, and longevity in submerged environments. The inflatable Airsac 104 is configured to expand upon receiving gas or air, thereby generating buoyant force sufficient to lift an attached or supported submerged object to the surface of a water body.
[00031] For example, in underwater research applications, scientific equipment such as marine monitoring stations must be deployed at varying depths. The Subject Device 100 is configured with compartmentalized inflatable Airsacs 104,
allowing independent inflation of each chamber to achieve precise buoyancy control. Researchers would have the option to remotely adjust the gas supply mechanism 106 to submerge or retrieve equipment in a controlled manner, ensuring that delicate instruments are not subjected to sudden pressure changes or rough handling.
[00032] The gas supply mechanism 106 is operatively coupled to the inflatable Airsac 104 and is configured to deliver gas or air for controlled inflation and deflation. The gas supply mechanism 106 would omprise of an inflation valve port fitted on the Airsac regulating the air/ gas inflow using least one of the compressor system, compressed air cylinder, an onboard gas reservoir, or a remotely controlled gas delivery system. The compressed air cylinder provides an integrated source of pressurized gas, whereas the compressor systems and onboard gas reservoir allows for multiple inflation cycles without requiring external gas sources. The remotely controlled gas delivery system enables real-time buoyancy adjustments from a surface control unit, remotely operated vehicle (ROV), or a diver-operated interface.
[00033] To regulate internal pressure within the inflatable Airsac 104, the pressure relief valve 108 is configured to prevent over-inflation by allowing excess gas to escape in a controlled manner. The pressure relief valve 108 is calibrated to ensure that the inflatable Airsac 104 remains within operational pressure limits, thereby preventing rupture, deformation, or instability. The placement and number of pressure relief valves 108 are determined based on the size of the inflatable Airsac 104 and the expected lifting load.
[00034] For example, in flooded mining operations, large drilling machines must be lifted from flooded shafts. The Subject Device 100 is configured with multiple pressure relief valves 108, ensuring that gas distribution remains balanced across the inflatable Airsac 104. The controlled release of excess gas prevents uncontrolled lifting speeds, allowing for safe retrieval of heavy mining equipment.
[00035] The Airsac 104 placed within the exoskeleton can 102 also be left inflated, with any pressure relief valve. In such state, the weight of weight of the exoskeleton 102 and the inflated Airsac 104 would exert a downward gravitational force when
placed under water would be heavier when placed outside of water. However, when submerged, the buoyant force generated by the inflated Airsac can be used to lift the Subject Device 100 to the surface of the water body the device is submerged in, thereby creating a potential to use the Subject Device 100 as a instrument for weight-propelled rotational and lifting mechanism that can be used to autonomously generate rotational motion and harness lifting capabilities.
[00036] For example, the Subject Device 100, when not submerged in water, can be used as a counter-weight exerting downward force in a rotation based lifting mechanism to elevate the object or item upwards. Upon reaching the lowest point of the rotation based lifting mechanism, the Subject Device 100 can be transferred into a water/fluid container having the height measuring at least equal to the highest point of the rotation based lifting mechanism. The inherent buoyancy of the Airsac 104 can be used to propel the Subject Device 100 to the surface of the water/fluid, thereby lifting the Subject Device 100 to height of the top-most (highest) point of the rotation based lifting mechanism. Once at the topmost position of the rotation system, the Subject Device 100 can be redeployed on the rotational based to lifting mechanism to achieve the above mentioned purpose on a sustained basis.
[00037] For example, the Subject Device 100, when not submerged in water, can be used as a counter-weight exerting downward force when placed at the edge of the radius of a vertically/ diagonally placed wheel from the highest point of the wheel to the lowest point of the wheel, thereby rotating the wheel at its axis. Such rotation can be used to for multiple purposes not limited to rotating the generator to produce electricity. Upon reaching the lowest point of the rotation based lifting mechanism, the Subject Device 100 can be transferred into a water/fluid container having the height measuring at least equal to the highest point of the rotation based lifting mechanism. The inherent buoyancy of the Airsac 104 can be used to propel the Subject Device 100 to the surface of the water/fluid, thereby lifting the Subject Device 100 to height of the top-most point of the rotation based lifting mechanism. Once at the topmost position of the rotation system, the Subject Device 100 can
be redeployed on the rotational based to lifting mechanism to achieve the above mentioned purpose on a sustained basis.
[00038] The Subject Device 100 is modular, allowing multiple units to be assembled together to adjust the overall buoyancy capacity based on the weight of the object being lifted. The modular configuration ensures that the Subject Device 100 can be scaled for different applications, from lifting small submerged objects to retrieving large-scale underwater structures. The modular nature of the Subject Device 100 further ensures that units can be replaced or combined as required, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency
[00039] The present invention comprises an Subject Device 100 that includes a perforated hollow exoskeleton 102, which provides a structurally reinforced enclosure for at least one inflatable Airsac 104. This configuration ensures that the inflatable Airsac 104 remains protected from external impacts, abrasions, and punctures, thereby significantly enhancing durability and operational reliability compared to conventional inflatable lift bags that are vulnerable to damage in rugged underwater environments.
[00040] The present invention includes perforations 110 distributed across the exoskeleton 102, allowing water ingress and egress, or trapped water, which could otherwise interfere with buoyancy control. These perforations 110 also reduce hydrodynamic resistance, ensuring that the Subject Device 100 can ascend and descend smoothly without excessive drag, thereby enhancing efficiency in lifting operations.
[00041] The present invention comprises at least one inflatable Airsac 104, positioned within the inner space of the exoskeleton 102, which can be expanded by inflating it with gas or air. This configuration allows the Subject Device 100 to generate a controlled buoyant force, thereby enabling safe and effective lifting of submerged objects while preventing unbalanced lifting or unexpected shifts in buoyancy that may otherwise occur in traditional underwater lifting systems.
[00042] The present invention includes a gas supply mechanism 106, operatively connected to the inflatable Airsac 104, which is configured to deliver controlled inflation and deflation using at least one of the compressor system, compressed
air cylinder, an onboard gas reservoir, or a remotely operated gas delivery system. This enables precise buoyancy adjustments, ensuring that lifting operations are stable and controlled, thereby eliminating the risk of rapid ascent that could damage lifted objects or create operational hazards.
[00043] The present invention includes at least one pressure relief valve 108, which is operatively connected to the inflatable Airsac 104, allowing excess gas to escape in a controlled manner. This configuration prevents over-inflation, ensuring that the inflatable Airsac 104 remains within safe pressure limits, thereby preventing damage due to excessive expansion and ensuring long-term reliability in underwater lifting applications.
[00044] The present invention comprises at least one attachment point 114 integrated into the exoskeleton 102, allowing the Subject Device 100 to be securely fastened to a submerged object before inflation. This ensures that the lifting process remains stable and predictable, preventing unintended detachment that could compromise the success of salvage or underwater construction operations.
[00045] The present invention includes the option to integrate at least one ballast weight 112, positioned within the exoskeleton 102, which ensures that the Subject Device 100 remains properly submerged before inflation. The (optional) ballast weight 112 helps counteract premature buoyancy, thereby allowing for precise positioning of the device 100 before the lifting operation begins, ensuring enhanced stability and controlled engagement with submerged objects.
[00046] The present invention comprises hydrodynamic features 116 integrated into the exoskeleton 102, including streamlined contours and flow-directing surfaces, which ensure that the Subject Device 100 experiences minimal drag during both ascent and descent operations. These features prevent uncontrolled lateral movement, ensuring that the device 100 moves in a stable, predictable trajectory, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency during lifting operations.
[00047] The present invention is modular, allowing multiple Subject Devices 100 to be combined to increase overall buoyancy capacity, thereby adapting to different lifting requirements. This modularity ensures that objects of varying weights and sizes can be lifted efficiently, making the device 100 suitable for a wide range of
applications, including marine salvage, offshore wind farm installations, and submerged pipeline maintenance.
[00048] The present invention is constructed using corrosion-resistant materials, including Polyurethane, Polyethylene, stainless steel, titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, or reinforced composite materials, thereby ensuring that the Subject Device 100 can withstand long-term exposure to harsh underwater environments. This increases operational lifespan and reduces maintenance costs, making the device 100 a cost-effective solution for underwater lifting applications.
[00049] The present invention provides remote operability, enabling inflation and deflation of the inflatable Airsac 104 via a remotely controlled gas supply mechanism 106, thereby eliminating the need for direct diver intervention. This enhances safety in deep-sea operations, allowing the device 100 to be deployed and controlled from a surface vessel or remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
[00050] The present invention is capable of lifting a wide range of submerged objects, including but not limited to sunken ship components, underwater pipelines, heavy machinery, offshore wind turbine bases, bridge support structures, and other marine salvage and underwater construction elements. This versatility ensures that the device 100 can be used in multiple industrial, commercial, and research applications.
[00051] The present invention allows for compartmentalization of the inflatable Airsac 104, wherein each compartment can be individually inflated, thereby providing precise buoyancy control. This configuration ensures that irregularly shaped objects can be lifted evenly, preventing imbalanced lifting or structural stress on fragile or sensitive submerged structures.
[00052] The present invention ensures ease of deployment, as the Subject Device 100 can be submerged in a deflated state and subsequently inflated underwater, reducing operational complexity. This feature allows the device 100 to be easily positioned beneath submerged objects before initiating the lifting process, thereby ensuring greater control and efficiency in underwater operations.
[00053] The present invention enhances operational efficiency by reducing the need for external lifting equipment such as cranes or large salvage vessels, thereby
minimizing costs and logistical constraints. The ability to use multiple units of the Subject Device 100 in a modular fashion ensures that different lifting capacities can be achieved without requiring separate lifting solutions for varying applications.
[00054] The present invention is designed for adaptability in diverse underwater environments, allowing deployment in shallow waters, deep-sea conditions, and high-current regions. The reinforced exoskeleton 102 ensures stability and durability, making the device 100 effective in environments where traditional lifting solutions may fail due to high pressure, turbulence, or unstable seabed conditions.
[00055] The present invention ensures that underwater construction, maintenance, and salvage operations can be conducted with minimal environmental impact, as the controlled inflation and hydrodynamic features 116 prevent sudden disruptions to the surrounding underwater ecosystem. By avoiding the use of heavy machinery or disruptive excavation techniques, the device 100 provides a sustainable and non-invasive solution for lifting and stabilizing submerged objects.
[00056] The present invention allows for integration with existing underwater operational frameworks, as the device 100 can be controlled via ROVs, diver-assisted systems, or surface vessels, ensuring compatibility with industry-standard marine and offshore technologies. This feature enables seamless incorporation into various marine engineering and salvage operations, making the device 100 a versatile and adaptable tool for underwater lifting applications.
[00057] The implementation set forth in the foregoing description does not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the subject matter described. Although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and/or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementation described can be directed to various combinations and sub combinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and sub combinations of the several further features disclosed above. In addition, the logic flows depicted in the accompanying figures and/or described herein do not necessarily require
the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other implementations may be within the scope of the following claims.
I/We Claim:
1. An Subject Device (100), comprising:
a perforated hollow exoskeleton (102) configured in at least one of a spherical, teardrop, cylindrical, pillow, rectangular, or polygonal shape, said exoskeleton being composed of a Plastic, metallic or alloy-based material and defining an enclosed inner space;
at least one inflatable Airsac (104) positioned within the inner space of the exoskeleton (102), said Airsac (104) comprising at least one of a cylinder, gas bag, inflatable bladder, balloon, or tube, configured to be inflated with gas or air;
said Airsac (104) being positioned in at least one of: attached to an inner surface of the exoskeleton (102) or suspended freely within the inner space;
a gas supply mechanism (106) configured to deliver gas or air into the Airsac (104), the mechanism (106) would comprise of an inflation valve port fitted on the Airsac (104) that would regulate the air/gas inflow and would use least one of the compressor systems, compressed air cylinder, an onboard gas reservoir, or a remotely controlled gas delivery system; and
at least one pressure relief valve (108) associated with the Airsac (104) to regulate gas pressure and prevent over-inflation,
wherein perforations (110) in the exoskeleton (102) allow water ingress and
egress, reducing resistance while ensuring protection of the Airsac (104) from
punctures, abrasions, and external forces,
wherein the exoskeleton (102) provides structural reinforcement to the
Airsac (104), preventing deformation under high pressure or heavy loads and
ensuring a controlled buoyant force for lifting submerged objects,
wherein the Airsac (104), when inflated underwater, generates a buoyant
force sufficient to raise the Subject Device (100) and gain potential energy as it
rises up to the surface of a water body
wherein the inflated Airsac (104), when released underwater, generates a
buoyant force sufficient to raise the Subject Device (100) and gain potential energy
as it rises up to the surface of a water body
wherein the Airsac (104), when inflated underwater, generates a buoyant force sufficient to raise a submerged object attached or supported to the exoskeleton (102) to the surface of a water body,
wherein the inflated Airsac (104), when released underwater, generates a buoyant force sufficient to raise a submerged object attached or supported to the exoskeleton (102) to the surface of a waterbody,
wherein a combination of adjoined Subject Devices (100), each containing an inflated Airsac (104), when released in a waterbody, can be used to stabilise the structure placed on top of such combination of Subject Devices (100)
wherein the Subject Device (100), containing the inflated Airsac (104) with a ballast weight (112) placed on the bottom of such Subject Device (100), when released in a waterbody, can be used to stabalise the structure placed on top of such Subject device (100) and
wherein a combination of adjoined Subject Devices (100), each containing an inflated Airsac (104), when released in a waterbofy, can be used to stablise the structure placed on top of the such combination of Subject Devices (100)
2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the exoskeleton (102) is modular, allowing assembly of multiple units to adjust the overall buoyancy capacity based on the weight of the object being lifted.
3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the exoskeleton (102) is composed of a corrosion-resistant material selected from at least one of Polyurethane, Polyethylene, stainless steels, titanium alloys, aluminium alloys, Magnesium alloys, Nickel-based alloys, Copper-based alloys, Cobalt-based alloys or reinforced composite materials to ensure durability in underwater environments.
4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Airsac (104) is composed of high-durability material, selected from at least one of Polyurethane, Polyethylene, reinforced rubber, polymer-coated fabric, or synthetic elastomer, to enhance puncture resistance and longevity.
5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gas supply mechanism (106)
can be remotely operable, allowing controlled inflation and deflation of the Airsac
(104) from a surface-based or remotely operated control system.
a. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the exoskeleton (102) includes an option to integrate ballast weights (112), enabling controlled submersion before inflation and ensuring stability in underwater environments.
6. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device (100) includes attachment points (114) configured to secure the exoskeleton (102) to a submerged object, ensuring stable engagement before inflation.
7. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Airsac (104) is compartmentalized into multiple independent chambers, each individually inflatable, allowing for precise buoyancy adjustments and improved stability during lifting operations.
8. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device (100) is operable for lifting itself and submerged objects attached to it including at least one of sunken shipwreck components, underwater pipelines, heavy machinery, offshore wind turbine components, bridge support structures, or other marine salvage and underwater construction elements.
9. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the exoskeleton (102) is configured with hydrodynamic features (116) including streamlined contours and flow-directing surfaces, reducing drag and facilitating efficient deployment, lifting, and movement within the water body.
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 202521037575-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [18-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-18 |
| 2 | 202521037575-FORM 1 [18-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-18 |
| 3 | 202521037575-FIGURE OF ABSTRACT [18-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-18 |
| 4 | 202521037575-DRAWINGS [18-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-18 |
| 5 | 202521037575-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [18-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-18 |
| 6 | 202521037575-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [18-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-18 |
| 7 | 202521037575-FORM-9 [23-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-23 |
| 8 | 202521037575-FORM 18 [23-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-23 |
| 9 | Abstract.jpg | 2025-05-08 |
| 10 | 202521037575-Request Letter-Correspondence [23-07-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-07-23 |
| 11 | 202521037575-Form 1 (Submitted on date of filing) [23-07-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-07-23 |
| 12 | 202521037575-Covering Letter [23-07-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-07-23 |